Tank with automatic fill and overfill drain

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for adjusting and maintaining the level of water in a swimming pool. The apparatus includes a tank in communication with the pool and fill and drain devices mounted in the tank for select elevational adjustment. The devices are coupled whereby elevational adjustment of one of the devices functions to simultaneously adjust the elevation of the other of the devices.

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/079,014,filed Feb. 19, 2002 by Andrew L. Pansini, the inventor herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an automatic fill water level controldevice and an overfill drain device for use with a swimming pool toobtain a desired pool water level. More specifically, the inventionrelates to a tank that is in communication with a pool and contains anadjustable automatic fill device and an overfill drain device mountedfor movement together, so that setting the level of one of the devicesautomatically sets the level of the other device.

2. Related Art

Conventional pools contain overfill drains constructed as follows. Adrain pipe is placed in the pool wall at the height of the desired waterlevel. The drain pipe terminates either on the land surrounding the poolor into a nearby drain. Leaves and other debris floating on the poolwater surface can plug the outlet hole in the pool wall, compromisingthe efficiency of the overfill drain.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,621,657 discloses a monitoring system for a swimmingpool including a chamber in communication with the pool, adjustable fillmeans for determining a desired water level for the pool, and anoverflow pipe for draining water from the chamber when the water levelin the chamber exceeds the desired pool water level. The overflow pipedoes not move with the automatic fill means. One must first set theautomatic fill means then secondly adjust the overfill drain to be justslightly higher than the water level set by the automatic fill means.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a device containing anadjustable automatic fill device and an adjustable overfill drain devicethat can be simultaneously adjusted to determine and adjust the desiredwater level in a pool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a device for adjusting the water level in aswimming pool including a tank that is in communication with the pooland contains an automatic fill device and an overfill drain devicemounted for movement together so that the height of both devices may besimultaneously adjusted to obtain a desired water level in the pool.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of thisspecification including the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is better understood by reading the following DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiments with reference to theaccompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer tolike elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a conventional skimmertank and the inventive device.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a first embodiment the inventive device.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the overflow means of the first embodimentinventive device.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the overflow means of the first embodimentinventive device.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the automatic fill means of the firstembodiment inventive device.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the adjusting means of the first embodimentinventive device.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevational view, with parts thereof brokenaway, of a second embodiment of the inventive device, installed in placeadjacent a swimming pool.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the inventivedevice, with parts thereof broken away.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional elevational views of the secondembodiment device, illustrating the device in different conditions ofelevational adjustment.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional elevational view of a third embodiment ofthe inventive device.

FIG. 10B is a plan view of the arm used in the third embodiment deviceto secure the overflow drain device and the fill device together forunitary elevational adjustment.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevational view, with parts thereof brokenaway, illustrating a fourth embodiment of the inventive device.

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional elevational view, with parts thereofbroken away, illustrating a fifth embodiment of the inventive device.

FIG. 12B is a plan view of the follower used in the fifth embodimentdevice to secure the overflow drain device and the fill device togetherfor unitary elevational adjustment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In describing preferred embodiments of the present invention illustratedin the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake ofclarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to thespecific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that eachspecific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in asimilar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

FIRST EMBODIMENT FIGS. 2-6

The first embodiment inventive device, designated device 10, includes atank 12 that is in communication with a pool 18 via an equalizer line16. Tank 12 is a relatively no flow chamber, and the water level in tank12 is equal to the water level in pool 18. Tank 12 contains an automaticfill device 20 and an overfill drain device 60. Automatic fill device 20allows water to enter the tank 12 and pool 18 when the water level oftank 12 and pool 18 reaches a preselected lower level. Overfill draindevice 60 allows water to drain out of tank 12 and pool 16 when thewater level of tank 12 and pool 16 reaches a level higher than that setby the automatic fill device. This would occur during a rainstorm. Asdescribed in detail below, automatic fill device 20 and overfill draindevice 60 are in fixed relation to each other within tank 12, so thatthe height of both devices can be simultaneously adjusted to obtain adesired water level in the pool. Setting the height of one of thedevices automatically sets the height of the other device.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, device 10 is preferably located adjacent to aconventional circular skimmer tank 100 which is in communication withpool 18 via passageway 104. A conventional skimmer weir 120 is hingedlyconnected to floor 110 of passageway 104 at the entrance to pool 18.Skimmer tank 100 also includes a skimmer basket 122 for retaining leavesand debris that are drawn into skimmer tank, and a drain pipe 124.

Equalizer line 16 connects tank 12 (a relatively no flow chamber) topassageway 104 of skimmer tank 100 (a positive pressure area) so thattank 12 is in communication with pool 18 and the water level in tank 12is equal to that in pool 18. A filter screen 112 is preferably providedover the opening 16 a of equalizer line 16 to prevent leaves and debrisfrom clogging equalizer line 16 and from entering tank 12 and cloggingoverfill drain device 60. During operation, filter screen 112 is backflushed every time automatic fill device 20 is activated to allow waterto enter tank 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, tank 12 has first, second, third and fourthsides 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, 12 d. Side 12 c has wall connectors (not shown)for incoming and outgoing water. First side 12 a is preferably concave,and configured so that first side 12 a fits adjacent to the convex outersurface of circular skimmer tank 100. Locating device 10 adjacentskimmer tank 100 allows for easy access to device 10. Tank 12 may have alid 13, or may be formed as part of skimmer tank 100 and share a commonlid with skimmer tank 100.

Tank 12 contains automatic fill device 20 and overfill drain device 60in a fixed relationship to each other. This can be accomplished bynumerous designs in which automatic fill device 20 and overfill draindevice 60 are connected to each other so that their height within tank12 can be simultaneously adjusted.

By way of illustration and for exemplary purposes only, automatic filldevice 20 and overfill drain device 60 can be mounted on a supportmember in the form of an adjustable plate 80, so that the height ofautomatic fill device 20 and overfill drain device 60 can besimultaneously adjusted via plate 80. First and second protrusions 14 a,14 b extend vertically outwardly from first and second sides 12 a, 12 bof tank 12 to slidably receive a portion of plate 80 and act as guidemeans for adjusting the height of plate 80, as follows. First and secondends 80 a, 80 b of plate 80 are slidably inserted between fourth side 12d of tank 12 and first and second protrusions 14 a, 14 b. Theprotrusions 14 a, 14 b provide channels which slidably receive the plate80. The plate provides means for mounting the automatic fill device 20and overfill drain device 60 in fixed relationship to each other forunitary simultaneous elevational movement relative to the chamberprovided by the tank 12. During such movement, the plate slidesvertically within the channels provided by the protrusions 14 a, 14 b.Plate 80 is held in place against fourth side 12 d of tank 12 byadjusting means 84. To adjust the desired pool level, the heights ofautomatic fill device 20 and overfill drain device 60 are simultaneouslyadjusted by backing off adjusting means 84, moving plate 80 to a desiredposition within tank 12 and engaging adjusting means 84 to lock and holdplate 80 in place in the desired position.

Adjusting means 84 may be a knob 86 attached to a screw 88 that extendsthrough a threaded hole in plate 80, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6.Plate 80 is held at a desired height in tank 12 by turning knob 86 in afirst direction so that end 88 a of screw 88 engages fourth side 12 d oftank 12. To adjust the desired pool level, the height of automatic filldevice 20 and overfill drain device 60 is simultaneously adjusted byturning knob 86 in a second direction to disengage end 88 a of screw 88from fourth side 12 d of tank 12, sliding plate 80 vertically upward ordownward to a desired pool water level, and turning knob 86 in the firstdirection to engage end 88 a of screw 88 against fourth side 12 d oftank 12.

Adjusting means 84 can be any other means suitable for adjusting theheight of plate 80 and locking it in a desired position within tank 12.For example, one might utilize a threaded rod vertically attached to acommon member of plate 80. The rod would have a knob on the top end, andby swivel means be held to the floor of the tank. Turning the knob inone direction raises the device, and turning the knob in the otherdirection lowers the device. Although the drawings show plate 80 in avertical plane, it is to be understood that plate 80 could be guided ina horizontal plane, with mechanical means for raising, lowering andlocking the device.

Automatic fill device 20 allows water to enter tank 12 and pool 18 (viaequalizer line 16) when the water level in tank 12 and pool 18 fallsbelow a set level. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, automatic filldevice 20 includes a float valve 22 having a float arm 24 with first andsecond ends 24 a, 24 b, a conventional valve 26 attached to first end 24a and a float ball 28 attached to second end 24 b. Float ball 28 floatsat the surface of the water in tank 12. A stop arm 30 is attached at itsfirst end 30 a to valve 26. Stop arm 30 may be attached to valve 26 byfasteners 32, such as screws, or any other suitable means. Second end 30b of stop arm 30 is engaged with float arm 24 when the water in tank 12is at a higher level than desired, such as in a rain storm. Stopping thefloat arm 24 in the horizontal position prevents the valve 26 fromadding still more water to the pool 18.

Valve 26 is connected to first end 40 a of vertically oriented pipe 40.Second end 40 b of vertically oriented pipe 40 is connected to first end42 a of elbow-shaped connector pipe 42. Second end 42 b of connectorpipe 42 is attached to a water source (not shown) that is external totank 12.

Valve 26 is closed when second end 30 b of stop arm 30 is engaged withfloat arm 24. When the water level in tank 12 drops and falls below thepreselected level, float arm 24 rocks the seal of valve 26, therebybreaking the seal, opening valve 26 and allowing water from the externalwater source (not shown) to move through connector pipe 42, up throughvertically oriented pipe 40 and out valve 26 into tank 12.

During heavy rain conditions when the water level in tank 12 and pool 18rises above the preselected water level, stop arm 30 prevents float arm24 from rising with the water above the preselected level, therebypreventing float arm 24 from opening float valve 26 and allowing waterto enter tank 12. This prevents automatic fill device 20 fromcounteracting the drainage action of overfill drain device 60 duringheavy rain conditions.

Overfill drain device 60 allows excess water to drain out of tank 12 andpool 18 when the water level is higher than the preselected water levelset by adjusting the height of automatic fill device 20 and overfilldrain device 60 in tank 12 via plate 80. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and4, overfill drain device 60 includes a vertically oriented hollow pipeattached to adjustable plate 80. First end 62 a of pipe 62 is open,forming an inlet. Second end 62 b of pipe 62 is attached to first end 64a of elbow pipe connector 64. Second end 64 b of elbow pipe connector 64is attached to first end 70 a of hose 70. Second end 70 b of hose 70 isconnected to overfill drain pipe 72 which passes through outlet 74formed in tank 12. Clamps 68 may be used to securely connect first end70 a of hose 70 to second end 64 b of elbow connection pipe 64 andsecond end 70 b of hose 70 to overfill drain pipe 72. Hose 70 may belooped, as illustrated in FIG. 3, so that it can flex with the movementof plate 80 if a new water level is selected.

The desired water level is selected by the following method: providing atank 12 that is in communication with pool 18 and that containsautomatic fill device 20 and overfill drain device 60 in fixed relationto each other, wherein elevational movement of the automatic fill device20 and overfill drain device 60 relative to tank 12 is not restricted byany attachment to tank 12, the heights of the automatic fill device 20and overfill drain device 60 within the tank are adjustable and settingthe height of one of the devices in the tank automatically sets theheight of the other device in the tank and simultaneously adjusting theheight of automatic fill device 20 and overfill drain device 60 withintank 12 via plate 80 so that the valve 26 will be at the desired waterlevel. Float ball 28 is preferably weighted so that it rides half out ofthe water and half under water. This keeps the float arm 24 in ahorizontal position on the surface of the water when the valve 26 isclosed. When the water level in tank 12 rises above the preselectedwater level, such as during a rain storm, the excess water drains out oftank 12 and pool 18 through first end 62 a, pipe 62, elbow pipeconnector 64, hose 70, overfill drain pipe 72 and out outlet 74 to thesurrounding ground or a drain located outside of tank 12.

Locating outlet 74 for overfill drain device 60 outside of pool 18avoids the problem of leaves and debris from the pool clogging theoutlet, and eliminates the necessity of providing a separate pipethrough the pool wall for overfill drain device 60. It is to beunderstood that automatic fill device 20 is connected to an outsidewater source by a hose as shown in FIG. 3 for the overfill drain.

SECOND EMBODIMENT FIGS. 7-9B

This embodiment, designated 130, includes a tank 132 connected in fluidcommunication with a pool by means of a conduit 134 whereby the level ofwater in the pool and the tank is equalized, as may be seen by thedashed line 136. As shown in FIG. 7, the pool has a sidewall 138 throughwhich the conduit 134 extends, and a deck 140. The top of the tank 132is closed by a removable cover 142. A drain conduit 146 and water supplyconduit 148 extend through the bottom wall 150 of the tank.

Interiorly, the tank 132 is provided with an overflow drain device 152connected in sealed fluid communication with the drain conduit 146 and afill device 154 connected in sealed fluid communication with the supplyconduit 148.

The fill device 154 comprises: a vertically extending rigid conduit 156;an annular float 158 slidably received on the conduit 156; and a valvemechanism 160 secured over the top of the conduit 156. The valvemechanism closes the top of the conduit 156 and is operated by an arm162 forming part of the mechanism and extending laterally therefrom. Thearm 162 is connected to the float 158 by a rod 166 through means of aconnector 168 carried by the float. A water discharge conduit 170extends laterally from the valve mechanism. In use, when water withinthe tank 132 is low, the float pulls the valve mechanism arm 162downwardly to open the valve mechanism and discharge water into thetank. When water in the tank raises the float sufficiently, the arm 162is moved upwardly to close the valve mechanism 160 and terminate theflow of water from the conduit 170.

FIG. 9A illustrates how the fill device 154 is secured in place withinthe tank 132. As there seen, a connection conduit 148A forming part ofthe supply conduit 148 is secured to an extends through the bottom wall150 of the tank. The upper end of the conduit 148A extends slidably intothe conduit 156. An O-ring 172 establishes a sealed slidable connectionbetween the conduits 148A and 165. As a result of this sealedconnection, the pressurized water entering the conduit 148 functions tomove the conduit 156 and the mechanism carried thereby upwardly. Thismovement can be seen by a comparison of FIGS. 9A and 9B.

The construction and mode of operation of the overflow drain device 152may also be seen from FIGS. 9A and 9B. As there shown, it will seen thatthe device comprises the rigid outer conduit 174 secured to the drainconduit 146 in fixed relationship to the bottom wall 150 of the tank.The outer conduit 174 threadably receives a rigid inner conduit 176having a drain opening 178 extending therethrough. The top of the innerconduit 176 is closed by a cap 180 fixed thereto. The cap is formed anannular stop disk 182 extending laterally therefrom for engagement withthe top of the valve mechanism 160.

Interiorly, the conduit 174 is formed with screw threads 184 forthreaded engagement with complimental external threads formed on theconduit 176. Through these threads, the elevation of the conduit 176 maybe adjusted by turning the conduit 176 about its longitudinal axis. Suchadjustment, between lower and upper extremities, may be seen by acomparison of FIGS. 9A and 9B. An O-ring 186 carried by the innerconduit 176 maintains sealed connection between the conduits 174 and 176as they are elevationally adjusted.

The top surface of the valve mechanism 160 serves as a follower whichengages the disk 182 to stop and limit extension of the conduit 156 inresponse to pressure of the water being supplied thereto. A flangedopening 188 formed in the bottom wall 150 provides for connection of theconduit 134 to the tank 132. The dashed lines 136 depicted in FIGS. 9Aand 9B illustrate the water level established by the apparatus, as theapparatus is adjusted between the lower and upper extremities depictedin these figures.

THIRD EMBODIMENT FIGS. 10A-10B

This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, except that theconduit 156 is not free to rise in response to fluid pressure from thewater supply conduit 148. Rather the conduit 156 is held by connectionto a lifting arm 190 secured to the inner conduit 176. The arm 190provides collars 192 and 194 extending, respectively, around theconduits 156 and 176. A set screw 196 secures the collar 192 againstmovement relative to the conduit 156. Annular shoulder elements 198 and200 are secured to the conduit 176 to either side of the collar 194 topermit the conduit 176 to be turned about its axis relative to the arm190. Water level adjustment of the third embodiment apparatus isprovided by simply turning the inner conduit 176 to screw it into andout of the conduit 174. A modified cap 180 a provides a convenientflange which may gripped for this purpose.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT FIG. 11

This embodiment is also similar to the second embodiment, except thatthe conduit 156 is not free to rise in response to fluid pressure fromthe water supply conduit 148. Rather, the conduit 156 is held fromextension by a follower 202 fixed to the top of the valve mechanism 160and engaged between the disk-shaped flanges 204, 206 of a wheel 208concentrically fixed to the conduit 176. A cap 180 b is secured to theconduit 176 above the wheel 208 and serves as a knob whereby the conduit176 may be turned into and out of the conduit 174 to adjust the heightof the drain opening 178. Such adjustment of the conduit 176 is impartedto the conduit 156 of the fill device 154 through means of engagement ofthe flanges 204, 206 with the follower 202. Thus, water adjustment inthe fourth embodiment is provided by simply turning the conduit 176 toscrew it into or out of the conduit 174.

FIFTH EMBODIMENT FIGS. 12A-12B

This embodiment is similar to the third embodiment, except that aseparate vertically extending screw 210 is provided for verticaladjustment of the fill and overflow devices and that outer and innerconduits 174 a and 176 a, respectively, of the drain device 152 a arefree to telescopically move relative to one another (i.e. there is noscrew threaded connection between the conduits 174 a and 176 a). AnO-ring 186 establishes sealed connection between the conduits 174 a and176 a, while permitting their free telescopic movement. The top of theconduit 174 a is closed by a cap 212.

The construction of the fill device 154 corresponds to that of the thirdembodiment. Thus, in the fifth embodiment, both the drain device 152 aand the fill device 154 are free to telescopically move up and down.

Water level adjustment in the fifth embodiment is provided through meansof the screw 210 and a follower 214 having a screw threaded opening 216threadably received on the screw 210. The follower extends transverselyof the tank and is formed with openings 218 and 220 which providecollars received around the conduits 176 a and 156, respectively. Setscrews 222 are threadably received in the follower and extend into theopenings 218 and 220 to secure engagement with the conduits 156 and 176a. Thus, elevational adjustment of the follower 214 in response toturning of the screw 210 is imparted directly to the conduits.

The ends of the follower 214 are formed with open vertically extendingnotches 224. These notches are complimental to and slidably receivedaround vertically extending guide members 226 fixed to the interior ofthe tank 132. This is assures smooth movement of the follower 214 inresponse turning of the screw 210.

The lower end of the screw 210 is rotatably received within acomplimental recess 228 formed in the bottom wall 150. The upper end ofthe screw 210 has an annular knob 130 fixed thereto to enable the screwto be manually turned about its vertical axis. A rod 232 extends acrossthe top of the tank and bears against the knob 230 to restrain the screw210 against vertical movement. One end of the rod 232 is received withina recess 234 formed in the interior wall of the tank 132. The other endof the rod is engaged beneath a cleat 236 fixed to the interior wall ofthe tank 132 at a location diametrically opposite the recess 232. Therod 232 is narrow, as compared to the diameter of the knob 230 to enableto the knob to be easily gripped and turned for adjustment. Forservicing of the components to the interior of the tank, the rod may bedisengaged from the cleat 236 to enable the rod to be removed.

CONCLUSION

While the level control valves used in the devices of the presentinvention have been shown as being of the float controlled type, othercommon valves, such as the diagram valves used in toilet tanks, may beemployed in place of the float controlled valves. This is but one of thevariations which might be employed, without departing from theinvention. Other modifications and variations of the present inventionare also possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art inlight of the above teachings. For example, tank 12 may be formed as partof skimmer tank 100, automatic fill device 20 and overfill drain device60 can be connected in fixed relation to each other by any conventionalmeans, and adjusting means 84 can be any suitable means for adjustingthe height of automatic fill device 20 and overfill drain device 60. Itis therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appendedclaims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwisethan as specifically described.

1. A tank in communication with a swimming pool, said tank containing anautomatic fill device and an overflow drain device; means mounting thefill device and drain device within the tank for unitary elevationaladjustment to simultaneously adjust the height of the devices relativeto the tank to obtain a desired water level in the pool.
 2. A tankaccording to claim 1, wherein the fill and drain devices are separateand the means mounting the devices within the tank comprises: a. asupport mounting the drain device to the tank for vertical movement toenable the elevation of the drain device relative to the tank to beselectively adjusted; and, b. a connection between the drain device andfill device to elevationally move the fill device responsive toelevational adjustment of the drain device.
 3. A tank according to claim2 wherein the support comprises a screw connection between the tank andthe drain device.
 4. A tank according to claim 2 wherein: a. the filldevice is connected to a source of water under pressure and the mountingmeans secures the fill device for vertical extension relative to thetank in response to the pressure; and, b. the connection comprises astop carried by the drain device for engagement with the fill device tolimit extension of the fill device.
 5. A tank according to claim 2wherein: a. the mounting means secures the fill device for slidablevertical movement relative to the tank; and, b. the connection moves thefill device vertically responsive to elevational adjustment of the draindevice.
 6. A tank according to claim 5 wherein the connection comprises:a. an arm secured to the drain device for vertical movement therewith;and, b. a collar on the arm engaged with the fill device to impartvertical movement of the drain device to the fill device.
 7. A tankaccording to claim 5 wherein the connection comprises: a. a disc carriedby and extending around the drain device; and, b. a follower carried bythe fill device and extending therefrom into engagement with the disc toimpart vertical movement of the drain device to the fill device.
 8. Atank according to claim 1 wherein the means comprises: a. screw mountedwithin the tank for rotation about a generally vertically extendingaxis; and, b. a follower threadably engaged with the screw for verticalmovement relative to the tank in response to rotation of the screw aboutthe axis, said follower being connected to the fill and overflow devicesto move the devices vertically with the follower.
 9. A tank according toclaim 8 wherein the follower extends transversely of the tank and thetank further comprises a vertically extending guide member slidablyengaged with the follower to guide the follower for vertical movement inresponse to rotation of the screw.
 10. Apparatus for adjusting andautomatically maintaining a predetermined water level within a swimmingpool, said apparatus comprising: a. a tank communicating with the poolwhereby the water level within the tank is the same as that of the pool;b. a fill valve device mounted within the tank for elevational movementrelative thereto; c. an overflow drain device mounted within the tankfor elevational movement relative thereto; and, d. means to selectivelyadjust the elevation of one of the devices within the tank and impart acorresponding elevational adjustment to the other of the devices. 11.Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the means comprises: a. asupport mounting the drain device for vertical movement to enable theelevation of the drain device relative to the tank to be selectivelyadjusted; and, b. a connection between the drain device and fill valvedevice to elevationally move the fill valve device responsive toelevational adjustment of the drain device.
 12. Apparatus according toclaim 11 wherein the support comprises a screw connection between thetank and the drain device.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein:a. the fill device is connected to a source of water under pressure andthe mounted for vertical extension relative to the tank in response tothe pressure; and, b. the connection comprises a stop carried by thedrain device for engagement with the fill device to limit extension ofthe fill device.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein: a. thefill device is mounted for slidable vertical movement relative to thetank; and, b. the connection moves the fill device vertically responsiveto elevational adjustment of the drain device.
 15. Apparatus accordingto claim 15 wherein the connection comprises: a. an arm secured to thedrain device for vertical movement therewith; and, b. a collar on thearm engaged with the fill device to impart vertical movement of thedrain device to the fill device.
 16. Apparatus according to claim 14wherein the connection comprises: a. a disc carried by and extendingaround the drain device; and, b. a follower carried by the fill deviceand extending therefrom into engagement with the disc to impart verticalmovement of the drain device to the fill device.
 17. A tank according toclaim 10 wherein the means comprises: a. a screw mounted within the tankfor rotation about a generally vertically extending axis; and, b. afollower threadably engaged with the screw for vertical movementrelative to the tank in response to rotation of the screw about theaxis, said follower being connected to the fill and overflow devices tomove the devices vertically with the follower.
 18. A tank according toclaim 17 wherein the follower extends transversely of the tank and thetank further comprises a vertically extending guide member slidablyengaged with the follower to guide the follower for vertical movement inresponse to rotation of the screw.
 19. Apparatus for adjusting andautomatically maintaining a predetermined water level within a swimmingpool, said apparatus comprising: a. a tank communicating with the poolwhereby the water level within the tank is the same as that of the pool;b. a fill valve device mounted within the tank for elevational movementrelative thereto; c. an overflow drain device mounted within the tankfor elevational movement relative thereto; d. a screw securing the draindevice to the tank whereby turning of the drain device selectivelyadjusts the elevation of the drain device relative to the tank; and, e.a connection between the drain device and fill device to elevationallymove the fill device responsive to elevational adjustment of the draindevice.
 20. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein: a. the fill deviceis connected to a source of water under pressure and the mounted forvertical extension relative to the tank in response to the pressure;and, b. the connection comprises a stop carried by the drain device forengagement with the fill device to limit extension of the fill device.21. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein: a. the fill device ismounted for slidable vertical movement relative to the tank; and, b. theconnection moves the fill device vertically responsive to elevationaladjustment of the drain device.
 22. Apparatus according to claim 21wherein the connection comprises: a. an arm secured to the drain devicefor vertical movement therewith; and, b. a collar on the arm engagedwith the fill device to impart vertical movement of the drain device tothe fill device.
 23. Apparatus according to claim 21 wherein theconnection comprises: a. a disc carried by and extending around thedrain device; and, b. a follower carried by the fill device andextending therefrom into engagement with the disc to impart verticalmovement of the drain device to the fill device.
 24. Apparatus foradjusting and automatically maintaining a predetermined water levelwithin a swimming pool, said apparatus comprising: a. a tankcommunicating with the pool whereby the water level within the tank isthe same as that of the pool; b. a fill valve device mounted within thetank for elevational movement relative thereto; c. an overflow draindevice mounted within the tank for elevational movement relativethereto; d. a screw mounted within the tank for rotation about agenerally vertically extending axis; and, e. a follower threadablyengaged with the screw for vertical movement relative to the tank inresponse to rotation of the screw about the axis, said follower beingconnected to the fill valve and overflow devices to move the devicesvertically with the follower.
 25. A tank according to claim 24 whereinthe follower extends transversely of the tank and the tank furthercomprises a vertically extending guide member slidably engaged with thefollower to guide the follower for vertical movement in response torotation of the screw.